Ultimate UK Whisky & Heritage Road Trip
34 cities |
72 attraction(s) |
total distance 99073
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day13
Day14
Day15
Day16
Day17
Day18
Day19
Day20
Day1: London
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
Contemporary lodging with a bar & a restaurant, plus an airport shuttle & a fitness centre.
Day2: Salisbury > Bath
5 attraction(s) ·
45 km
1
Legendary neolithic monument made using stones transported from Wales & built for unknown purposes.
44
km
2
Bath is an ancient city located in southwestern England, just 100 miles from London. It is renowned as England's most beautiful city and is a UNESCO World Heritage city. The Roman Baths are Bath's most famous and widely recognized attraction, serving as a popular museum.
Legend has it that in the 1st century AD, when Britain was still within the Roman Empire, a prince named Bladud contracted leprosy and was exiled to the countryside to tend to his sheep. He discovered a curious-smelling mud hole where the pigs and other animals would roll, and he began to bathe in its mineral-rich waters. Gradually, the warm springs cured him, and his skin became smooth. When Bladud became king, he ordered the development of the hot springs, constructing Roman-style baths and temples, and people would bathe several times a year.
The Roman Baths were built around the hot springs, which gush out at a rate of 1.27 million liters per day from a depth of 3,000 meters below the surface. The temperature averages 46.5 degrees Celsius year-round. In the 18th century, a statue of the goddess Minerva was discovered, reviving the Roman Baths once again. The site contains several pools, a swimming pool, and heated rooms, all surrounded by sculptures and railings. The museum displays precious relics such as the ruins of ancient city walls and Roman period stone carvings and sculptures. Adjacent to the site is a water pump house for use in brewing mineral water tea.
By visiting Bath, you can explore the splendor of the ancient Roman era and learn about the history and culture of this city through these landmarks.
1
km
3
Bath Abbey is a historically significant church located in the center of Bath, England. The building's façade is light yellow and it is built with typical Bath stone. The church was first built in the 7th century and has undergone numerous reconstructions, fires, and restorations. It wasn't until the 16th century that the church was completed in its final form, with a predominantly Gothic architectural style and grand appearance. The church has a cruciform floor plan and can accommodate 1200 people.
1
km
4
Royal Crescent is located 200 meters west of the circular building. The crescent-shaped Georgian terrace consists of 30 residential buildings built between 1767 and 1774, facing the vast lawns of Royal Victoria Park. These residences were designed by architect John Wood the Younger and have been rented out by the wealthy and famous for centuries, gaining much attention and almost never being sold. Today, Royal Crescent remains extremely popular.
1
km
5
Elegant rooms with a modern edge in a posh Georgian townhouse plus gardens and incense-filled spa.
Day3: Wiltshire > Cotswold > Bourton On The Water > Cotswold
5 attraction(s) ·
61 km
1
This town is located in Wiltshire County and is known for its ancient scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Mano House Hotel is a four-star hotel in this town, built in the 14th century. In addition, the town also has a medieval church. The market is located in the nearby area and features a 14th-century Market Cross, marking its architecture. The market is bustling on weekends.
41
km
2
If you want to experience the charm of English countryside, a visit to Cotswolds, especially Bibury, is highly recommended. Compared to the commercialized Bourton-on-the-water, Bibury has a more tranquil and beautiful atmosphere of an old-fashioned English village. The houses here have a history of over 400 years, arranged along the stream with honey-colored brick cottages and uniquely styled gardens. The stream in front of the houses is also a favorite place for wild ducks to play in. Bibury's beauty is not only unique in the English countryside but also makes it one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
17
km
3
Located on the side of River Eye, this small town has a recorded history of over 1000 years. To the west of the town, there is a water mill built in the 19th century.
2
km
4
The river Windrush runs through the small town of Bourton-on-the-Water in Cotswolds, with five stone arch bridges on its banks, all built with local stone. The oldest of these five bridges is called "The Mill Bridge," established in 1654, located in the western part of the Windrush River. Because of these bridges, Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds."
2
km
5
17th-century manor house hotel with luxury rooms, plus croquet, fine dining and afternoon tea.
Day4: Stratford Upon Avon
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
In 1564, William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He was buried here according to his own wishes when he died in 1616. Here, people can admire Shakespeare's memorial half statue, which reflects his appearance during his lifetime and reminds us of the cultural treasures created by this great writer.
1
km
2
An elegant hotel with free breakfast and parking, plus 2 classy bars and riverside terrace dining.
Day5: London > Shrewsbury > Gwynedd
5 attraction(s) ·
5847 km
Day6: Anglesey > Anglesey
4 attraction(s) ·
17 km
1
Road crossing with a pedestrian walkway, built by Thomas Telford in 1826 & illuminated at night.
3
km
3
Architecturally outstanding 13th-century castle with activities and events programme.
5
km
4
Stylish rooms and suites in a plush chateau with landscaped gardens and an acclaimed restaurant.
Day7: London > Conwy > Allerdale District > Lake District National Park > Allerdale District > Bowness on Windermere
6 attraction(s) ·
5809 km
2
Conwy Castle, located on the northern coast of Wales, was built between 1283 and 1289 and is one of the great building projects of Edward I during his second campaign in North Wales. As many as 1,500 craftsmen and laborers were involved in its construction, and its designer James was hailed by the Welsh royal family as a master builder. Conwy Castle represents the characteristics and historical value of European military architecture from the 13th to the 14th century and is therefore listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Today, Conwy Castle has become one of the famous tourist attractions in North Wales, attracting many visitors to visit and appreciate the grandeur of this castle.
143
km
4
The Wendemir Steamship Museum has been closed for renovation for a period of time, but it is expected to reopen soon, welcoming visitors to come and visit.
30
km
6
Sophisticated lodging in Beatrix Potter's former home offering fine dining & lake views.
Day8: Edinburgh > Edinburgh > Edinburgh
4 attraction(s) ·
12167 km
1
Buzzing street linking Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, lined with quaint eateries & shops.
6084
km
3
Prince Street Gardens is one of Scotland's most famous garden landscapes and also marks the boundary between Edinburgh's Old and New Towns. The Scott Monument, towering at 200 feet, commemorates Sir Walter Scott, a famous Scottish writer. From its narrow staircase of 287 steps, visitors can reach the observation deck at the top for a panoramic view of the city center and surrounding scenery. On sunny days, locals and tourists alike relax and soak up the sun on the garden's spacious lawns or benches.
1
km
Day9: Dufftown Aireborough > Moray > Inverness
3 attraction(s) ·
67 km
1
Traditional Victorian distillery tours taking visitors from mash and still houses to tasting room.
6
km
2
Guided tours taking in whisky distillery's oak casks and copper spirit stills, plus tasting session.
62
km
3
Chic, contemporary rooms, plus an upscale French-Scottish restaurant and cocktail bar.
Day10: London > Inverness > Loch Ness
5 attraction(s) ·
5416 km
3
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most important historical landmarks in the Scottish Highlands, playing a crucial role during the 14th century Scottish Wars of Independence and once being the largest castle in Scotland. It is situated on a massive rock that protrudes into the depths of Loch Ness on the south bank, providing a magnificent view of the mysterious Loch Ness. Nowadays, Eilean Donan Castle has become a ruin, silent and mysterious.
3
km
5
Loch Ness, although just a narrow lake, still draws thousands of tourists every year as it is home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster. It is said that the monster looks like a plesiosaur, but you can go and find out for yourself. Countless newspapers and books have recorded sightings of the monster, and scientists have also attempted to hunt it down. Jacobite Cruises can take you out onto the lake to search for them.
Day11: London > Inverness > Isle Of Skye
7 attraction(s) ·
5615 km
3
Popular Scottish island known for its picturesque fishing village, rugged landscapes & castles.
10
km
4
Waterside whisky distillery with copper vessels and oak casks, plus guided tours and a shop.
8
km
5
The sides of the Fairy Pool are adorned with beautiful purple flowers, which are breathtakingly beautiful. These flowers surround the narrow and winding Fairy Pool, becoming part of the romantic atmosphere of the Fairy Pool. When the sky is clear, sunlight shines through the clouds and falls on the Isle of Skye, blending with the mountains, hills, rivers, and coastline to create a stunning and colorful scenery. Many quiet and charming villages can be found on the island, scattered between the sunlight and the mist, emanating a primitive and wild beauty. The 2.4-kilometer trail around the Fairy Pool is one of the best hiking routes and takes over an hour to complete on foot.
30
km
7
Stylish rooms, some with loch views, plus an upscale restaurant in a former hunting lodge.
Day12: Fort William > Oban
5 attraction(s) ·
56 km
2
Guided tours of 19th-century distillery with a visitor centre in a former warehouse, plus tastings.
53
km
4
Commercial whisky producer founded in the 18th century offering distillery tours & tastings.
1
km
5
Stylish rooms & suites, some with bay views, in a refined hotel offering a chic restaurant & a bar.
Day13: Islay
5 attraction(s) ·
25 km
1
Island in the Inner Hebride regarded for its whisky distilleries alongside golf & hiking trails.
12
km
2
Whisky-making guided tours at distillery with Royal Warrant, plus water source walks and tastings.
2
km
3
Tours of one of Scotland's most photographed distilleries available only during the summer.
2
km
4
Guided tours with tasting sessions and water source walks, of 19th-century malt whisky distillery.
10
km
5
Sophisticated golf resort offering refined quarters & ocean views, plus dining, a spa & 3 lounges.
Day14: Islay
3 attraction(s) ·
19 km
1
Tours detailing history and whisky production of Islay's oldest distillery, plus tasting sessions.
5
km
2
Pre-booked guided tours of distillery using 100% Islay barley for whisky-making, plus dram-tasting.
14
km
Day15: London > Glasgow > Glasgow
3 attraction(s) ·
6987 km
3
Upscale hotel set in an elegant building offering sophisticated dining, 2 bars & a spa.
Day16: Stirling > York
5 attraction(s) ·
315 km
1
Late 18th–century whisky distillery offering guided tours, tastings, private dining & a shop.
313
km
2
York Minster, also known as the St. Peter's Cathedral, is one of the largest surviving medieval churches in Europe, as well as one of the most exquisite in terms of architectural design. The church was established in 627 AD as a completely wooden structure, but was destroyed during the civil war. In 1060, the Normans ruled the York region and built the first Norman church, with the foundation stone and basement of the church still visible today.
1
km
3
Quaint, popular spot with a locally focused menu of craft beer and pub fare, plus outdoor seating.
1
km
4
The York City Walls, built by the Romans and spanning 5 kilometers, is a square-shaped wall and one of the significant historical landmarks in York. The construction of the walls was aimed to protect the city from external threats. As visitors enter the city from the York train station, they can witness the impressive spectacle of the city walls.
The York City Walls circle around York Minster, and it takes around two hours to complete the journey. In York, the entrance gates to the walls are called "Bar," including Bootham Bar on the north, Micklegate Bar on the southwest, Monk Bar on the northeast, and Walmgate Bar on the southeast.
Tourists can choose to walk a small section of the wall, such as from Bootham Bar near York Minster to Monk Bar, where they can admire the stunning view of the cathedral. Whether walking a small section or completing the full circle, climbing the York City Walls is an unforgettable journey through history.
1
km
5
Chic, luxury rooms in a grand Edwardian railway hotel, plus spa and a grill with York Minster views.
Day17: Scarborough
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Perched on a clifftop overlooking the town, these ruins were home to the first known English poet.
2
km
2
Real ales in a cosy bar and local seafood in the restaurant or sea-view lounge, plus rooms.
Day18: Cambridge > Cambridge
4 attraction(s) ·
5274 km
2
The Mathematical Bridge is a wooden bridge that spans the River Cam, connecting the two shores of Queens' College within the campus of the University of Cambridge. Although its official name is simply "the Wooden Bridge," it is widely known as the Mathematical Bridge. Designed by William Etheridge and constructed by James Essex in 1749, the Mathematical Bridge has undergone repairs in 1866 and 1905 but its original design remains unchanged.
1
km
3
The River Cam is a small river surrounding the main city center of Cambridge, named after the English word "Cam", meaning "protuberance". The river flows around the main campus of the University of Cambridge, forming a large "T" shape. Chinese students who came to Cambridge in earlier years referred to it as "Jian River" because in the dialects of Fujian and Guangdong, the pronunciation of "Cam" is similar to "sword". The name "River Cam" is derived from the poem "The River" by Xu Zhimo. In fact, the River Cam and the River Granta are the same river, but locals are more accustomed to calling the upstream section the River Granta, where the banks are covered in greenery and the scenery is beautiful, and the downstream section is known as the College Backs, where the banks are lined with magnificent buildings of the University of Cambridge and the water flows smoothly. When renting a boat at the Queen's College dock, the boat owner will ask if you want to go to Granta or the College Backs. When you come to Cambridge, be sure to go boating on the River Cam, enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides, and listen to the boatman's stories.
1
km
4
Polished hotel offering airy quarters with Edwardian decor, plus a bar/restaurant & a gym.
Day19: Windsor > London
2 attraction(s) ·
6035 km
2
Cosmopolitan property offering free Wi-Fi, plus 3 restaurants, 2 bars and a full-service spa.
Day20: London
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
